Fetch Camper Vans

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Ally-C 15 Jul 7:34pm, 15 Jul 2024 5,960 posts	0 Ally-C Big_G wrote:I think what I’ve learned is that for most, there is a compromise to made somewhere. For example, space/practicality/comfort when actually using it to sleep/relax vs ease of driving around country lanes, parking etc. We are hillwalkers so something that gets up narrow roads is an essential.
GimmeMedals 15 Jul 8:23pm, 15 Jul 2024 27,272 posts	0 GimmeMedals We’re on our 3rd. The 1st we were tempted by a very good discount, but after a few months, decided the French bed didn’t work for us. We traded it in against a bigger motorhome with an island bed - very timely as the body was coming away from the chassis on our 1st motorhome, which came to light when it was being checked ahead of resale. It would have been off the road for months. We were thankful to be rid of it before that was discovered. The 2nd was great whilst we had a big dog. After the habitation fuse box burnt out, and we were informed it was going to take months to get replacement parts (during 2020), we sold it back to the dealers and ordered a 6m camper van. This is working brilliantly for us and little Stanley. It’s handy as a day van and for 3+ week holidays.
XB 15 Jul 9:00pm, 15 Jul 2024 18,117 posts	0 XB Ours is 6m and we can happily spend 3 months in it. I'm not sure how bearable that would be if the weather was cack.
Rosehip 15 Jul 9:06pm, 15 Jul 2024 32,583 posts	0 Rosehip SarahWoo wrote:There are lots of options between a 7 metre motorhome and a VW T5 or T6. Some of the larger van conversions have very cleverly included loos and showers and enough room to live as well as sleep in. The Caravan and Motorhome Show is definitely a good place to start, gg. yes, our 6m v similar to Gimme's is what we find to be the sweet spot in between We did find a lane in Devon we couldn't fit down, but generally if an Amazon or Tesco van can deliver we can get there. I just need to be better at judging how much space there is to overhang the back of parking spaces at the supermarket and stop reversing into bushes...
geordiegirl 15 Jul 11:09pm, 15 Jul 2024 23,247 posts	0 geordiegirl I do love your van GM but not sure we have a budget for something like that now. Back to do we get something to play with for the odd night/weekend then sell that and boat and buy the more useable for long trips away at that time. My head hurts we’ve been playing with how reasonable is early retirement figures.
Mandymoo 16 Jul 6:36am, 16 Jul 2024 19,349 posts	0 Mandymoo In an ideal world we would love something along the same lines as GM's MH but we don't have the finances for that. We loved our last VW T6, have no issues with using it for a daily vehicle so have cut the cost of having a car too. We have never done longer trips in the VW so will see how that goes but currently we have no other option so it will have to do 😁
FunkyPOM 16 Jul 6:51am, 16 Jul 2024 1,116 posts	0 FunkyPOM I chose the SWB/Low roof Transit Custom as it was to be my only vehicle and costs the same to run- fuel/ferries/insurance/tax, etc. I've managed 5 weeks in it during summer as I'm outside all day and generally only watch tablet/sleep in it. I'd do the same thing again, replace my car with a van that gives the freedom to travel and much better than faffing with tents. When I replace it I'll be getting a LWB/high roof so I can do more inside things and have the luxury of shower, etc. But I'd not want it sitting around too much so it'll be at a time when I can travel full time in it. I don't think I'd ever want a coachbuilt MH as they're just a bit too big for my liking and restrict where you can go/park, etc. Free camping is great over here and I sometimes do the odd stealth camp which is easier in a standard(ish) looking van.
Mandymoo 16 Jul 8:09am, 16 Jul 2024 19,354 posts	0 Mandymoo Our biggest issues at the moment regarding our 5 week trip to France in September are 1) that the van will be ready in time - we are stuck twiddling our fingers until the units arrive, and will then have a 3 or 4 days to install them, the seats and wire everything up 2) When we booked this trip over Christmas we were originally in the wobblebox. Also at Christmas our elderly dog was put on some tablets to get him over Christmas - he is still plodding on now. He is not great, painkillers daily etc - we are not sure if it is right to take him on a 5 week trip in the van. He loves being away, doesn't like the heat but that shouldn't be too much of an issue in September but don't know how he will cope with his dementia etc. Part of me thinks just cancel the whole thing. At the moment we are booked at Magney Cours for WSB, then Annecy for 2 weeks. Nothing after that is booked. Might leave it at that and see how dog is and if not good just come home - really don't know. Sorry that went on a bit
Big_G 16 Jul 8:37am, 16 Jul 2024 3,739 posts	0 Big_G Ally, yeah, I know where you’re coming from.We live in Devon, and have plenty of narrow roads. Also our favourite trips have involved Scotland, but also Alps and Dolomites, and driving over passes that wouldn’t be possible with MoHos. For example, we went up and over both sides of Stelvio, which just wouldn’t be possible with anything much bigger. I don’t really worry about any road in ours, and go wherever we want, park where we want, but it’s a compromise in other areas. But for us, it’s currently fine. The layout of ours suits us, with our fairly large dog. When travelling, he can just go in the boot, and when we’re stopped there is plenty of space for him on the floor on his bed, whilst we’re also sitting inside. This was a key factor for us choosing what we did, as some of the others we saw would have meant that we would have been constantly stepping over/on him, or with a boot inaccessible, would have meant we’d have needed a carry crate of some description. I think everyone has their own priorities and needs with how they use their vehicles, but I think most would still have to compromise somewhere. We’ve done over 3 weeks in ours and had no problem, although having said that it was lovely weather - if it had been a washout, the space would probably have become more of an issue, but as it was we were outside a lot, or with the door open.
halfpint 16 Jul 10:06am, 16 Jul 2024 41,416 posts	0 halfpint I’m thinking about putting some windows in my wee van. Anyone done this themselves?